home

Obituary and life story submitted by the family.

D

ouglas ‘Doug’ Wayne Gaither, 78, of Oriental passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife, Jill, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Hardworking, Doug was self-employed and a man of many talents. Most recently he embarked on a career as a computer repairman as well as refrigeration repair.

He will also be remembered for his time working at Pamlico Home Builders.

Doug was twice commended in TownDock’s Letters to the Editor for his generosity. Once by Hope Clinic, when they put out a request for several desktop computers in 2014.

And again in 2016, when an electrical system failure aboard a visiting trawler had the owners reaching out to Doug for a computer fan. It was after hours and a holiday weekend. Refusing payment for the part or his time, Doug delivered the fan to the docks, allowing the couple to patch their system until they could get to their next destination.

Jill and Doug Gaither, 2013.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Jill Gaither; mother, Allene Self Gaither; sister, Yvonne Gaither Allen (Keith); and nephews, Peter, Nat, and Ben Birdsong along with their families.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry D. Gaither.

Doug and Jill’s front porch in Oriental. From left: (Aunt) Ronnie Stone, (Mother) Allene Gaither, Doug Gaither, (Sister) Yvonne Allen, (Nephew) Peter Birdsong, (Wife) Jill Gaither, Amanda Birdsong (Pete’s Wife). 2014

A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family suggested memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Pamlico, PO Box 6, Bayboro, NC 28515.

Doug on the Neuse River, 2015.

Posted Monday April 1, 2024 by Allison DeWeese